As the dog days of summer pass by, many of Norfolk’s top attractions are opening their doors – doggy doors that is – to visitors and their four-legged friends.

Events and Attractions

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is hosting Barkitecture - a fashion runway and stage for custom built dog houses worthy of the most pampered pooches. The houses are built and designed by local companies and organizations—creating exclusive puppy palaces. Through October, families can experience the show, vote for their favorite house, and bid to take a one-of-a-kind house home for their special pup. On Summer Sunday Dog Days dogs are welcome in the Garden for Barks & Brews featuring music, beer by O’Connor’s Brewing Co., and food from local vendors.

On the city’s famed waterfront, Nauticus is hosting a pet-friendly Party on the Pier every Thursday through September. This free event allows guests and their doggos to watch the glowing sunset over the Elizabeth river, enjoy live music and a variety of local beer and food.

Norfolk’s famous Selden Market - an indoor artisan market with a rotating lineup of the city’s up and coming concepts in retail, food and more - is a perfect spot for a stroll with the pup to check out local goods and perhaps meet other four-legged friends. Here visitors can find Werther Leather Goods who can fit their dog for a fancy custom leather new collar.

Dog-friendly Breweries

After a long day exploring the city, visitors can head over to one of Norfolk’s many craft breweries, where four-legged friends are always welcome. A sample of pet friendly breweries in Norfolk includes: